Published: 11:48 PM, 30 August 2026
A Budding Engineer's Passion for Adding Art Value to Life
Faiza Basisa Qureshi
Celebrated Hollywood film Dead Poets Society contains a magnificent dialogue "Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."
This reflection appeared in my mind while I was going through Faiza Basisa Qureshi's profile. She currently studies Civil Engineering at Leading University, Sylhet. She candidly acknowledged in her profile that she feels deeply connected with Bengali language despite hailing from English version academic background. Faiza Basisa Qureshi's warm attachment with Bengali language amazes us with her love for her mother tongue. Bengali language and literature always reside very close to our hearts. We recall with honour the glorious Language Movement of 1952 which was waged for securing Bengali as our mother language.
Faiza Basisa Qureshi's versatility is mirrored through her affiliation with literature, art and other forms of creative avocations. Despite her high workload at the university as an engineering student, Faiza Basisa Qureshi makes out time for extracurricular activities which deserves profound admiration. While most boys and girls these days remain stuck with mobile phones and play stations, Faiza Basisa Qureshi stands out as a spectacularly exceptional figure.
She teaches poetry at an institution in Sylhet which is a government-registered school called Lolitokola Academy. Faiza Basisa Qureshi also participates in poetry recitals and she is a news presenter too. Painting is described in her resume as a hobby. She lends her voice to a YouTube channel for narrating stories and reading out audio books.
Art and poetry have been part of human civilization for thousands of years. From ancient paintings on cave walls to modern poems shared online, people have always used creative expression to understand the world, communicate emotions and preserve memories, like Faiza has been doing. Although technology and science dominate modern life, art and poetry remain essential to human happiness and social bonds.
Art gives people a way to express feelings that ordinary language cannot always describe. A painting, photograph, sculpture or piece of music can communicate joy, sadness, love, fear or hope without saying a single word. For both creators and audiences, art can provide comfort during difficult times and create a sense of connection with the people around us.
Poetry has a similar power. Through carefully chosen words, rhythm and imagery, poets can transform ordinary experiences into meaningful reflections on life. A short poem can express emotions that may otherwise remain cloistered away. Reading poetry can also encourage people to slow down and think deeply about their feelings, relationships and surroundings which Faiza Basisa Qureshi has figured out with her sharp intellect.
Art and poetry are also important forms of cultural memory. These two things preserve the traditions, beliefs and experiences of communities and generations. A poem written during a difficult historical period can help future generations understand how people felt at that time. Paintings, songs and literature can similarly preserve stories that might otherwise disappear.
Creative works, like the ones belonging to Faiza Basisa Qureshi, also encourage imagination and critical thinking. Art teaches people to look at familiar things from different perspectives, while poetry encourages readers to interpret language and discover meanings beyond obvious connotations. These skills are valuable not only in education but also in everyday life.
Another important benefit is emotional well-being. Creating or experiencing art can reduce stress and provide an opportunity for reflection. Many people turn to painting, writing, music or poetry when they need to relax or process difficult experiences. Creative activities can therefore contribute to a healthier and more balanced life.
Art and poetry can also bring people together. Exhibitions, literary events, theatre performances and cultural festivals create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to share experiences and ideas. In this way, creativity can build understanding and strengthen communities.
In a world increasingly focused on speed, technology and material success, art and poetry remind us of the importance of imagination, emotion and human connection. They help us understand ourselves and others while giving meaning to ordinary experiences.
Art and poetry are therefore not luxuries reserved for artists and writers. These two things are essential parts of being humans. They teach us to feel, imagine, question and remember, making life richer, more thoughtful and more meaningful.
Leading University, Sylhet also should be applauded in this context for according opportunities and liberty to Faiza for exploring her hidden meritocratic resources.
Faiza Basisa Qureshi is dynamically associated with scouting and she loves music too. She pursues so many beautiful and innovative things at a time because she wants to make her life remarkable and significant. While concluding, it is quite relevant to quote a few words from Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, "Just living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower".
Mahfuz Ul Hasib Chowdhury
is a contributor to different English newspapers and magazines. The writer is also a Commonwealth Open University Fellow.
